A Shattered Tooth Might Need Extraction and Bridge Restoration

Posted February 10, 2017.

As hard as your teeth are, there are rare occasions when a hard blow to the face or other oral trauma can cause severe damage to a tooth. In the case of a partial dental avulsion or a shattered tooth, the damage to the root is often so extreme that Dr. Jerry Butler’s only viable course of treatment is to extract the remnants from the socket. Then he will suture the gums to reduce the pain and prevent any infection from developing in wound.

When you’re ready, your dentist can help you decide if you want to restore the tooth with a dental implant or dental bridge. Many people choose a bridge restoration because it is less invasive and a faster restoration method than a dental implant.

It is basically an artificial tooth that mimics the appearance of a natural tooth. It is fused into a single piece of dental work with a hollow crown at each end. It will eventually be anchored onto abutments that are formed out of the core of the two closest teeth.

Dr. Jerry Butler will form the two abutments by removing the tooth enamel from each tooth. The abutment will contain the dentin layer that is surrounding the healthy pulp and root of the tooth. A detailed impression will then be made and sent to a dental lab. The technicians will use it to cast a bridge that replicates the shape and function of all three teeth.

Dr. Jerry Butler will secure a temporary crown over each abutment to protect them while the dental lab technician does their work.

When the bridge is ready, Dr. Jerry Butler will call you to schedule a brief second appointment. When you come in, he will remove the temporary crowns and cement your new bridge into place.

If you have a badly damaged tooth and you’re interested in a dental bridge in Boone, North Carolina, you should not delay in calling (828) 264-5858 to have it treated at our office.

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We are located on Blowing Rock Road in the big stone building (across from McDonalds) and ready to welcome you to our office.